The Sinking City drama continues as publisher Nacon responds to Frogwares’ recent allegations of piracy. In a shocking twist, it turns out that somebody might be lying.
To get you up to speed, Frogwares recently requested everyone stop purchasing the version of The Sinking City that was recently uploaded to Steam and then followed up on that request by alleging that publisher Nacon had pirated the game and uploaded a cracked version without their knowledge. Then, yesterday, Frogwares issued a DMCA takedown and got The Sinking City removed from the Steam store (at the time of writing, it is not available on Steam). Much skandaal.
Nacon has now responded to the allegations with a statement that suggests Frogwares has been “paid all mounts due” and have no legal reason to deny the Steam release.
In the past, FROGWARES has improperly relied on accusations regarding a lack of payment to refuse delivery of the game on STEAM, at which point they tried to unsuccessfully terminate the contract. The Paris Court of Appeal deemed this action “manifestly unlawful”; ordering the continuation of the contract and encouraging FROGWARES to refrain “from any action which would impede such continuation”.
They also point out that their contract allows for the game to “be adapted by a third party” should Frogwares refuse to release it on Steam – hence the “pirated” upload. Frogwares, as the indicated owner, would have received royalties on all Steam sales.
NACON regrets all the more that FROGWARES has demanded the withdrawal of the game from STEAM, thus depriving the gaming community of the unique experience provided by The Sinking City.
What a twist.